LAUREN Williams has thanked her supporters following her performance at the British Athletics Championships in Manchester last weekend.

The Trefeglwys star ended fifth in the women's 400m hurdles final with a time of 60.05.

The Cardiff based star qualified for the final with a time of 59.47 in the heats, enough to clinch third in a field of the best athletes from across the United Kingdom.

Williams said: "Naturally I am disappointed not to have run closer to my best at Manchester this weekend, as there was an outside shot at a medal.

"That being said, reflecting over the past few months I am very proud to have made my first British championships final in what’s been a very tough year for all us athletes."

Williams expressed her gratitude to her team of supporters in Powys who had helped her prepare for a return to action following six months of inactivity due to lockdown restrictions.

She said: "I am immensely grateful to everyone at Sport Powys, Maldwyn Harriers Athletics Club, Llanidloes Rugby Club, Kaha Therapy and Freedom Leisure for making training and equipment use possible through the lockdown, without their support I wouldn’t have been able to stand on the start line.

"I really have been overwhelmed with the kind messages and local support. I’ve learned a lot from the experience and am hoping to make even bigger progress next season."